Strengthening the Kootenays’ local food system

NAKUSP -

Summary

• A food procurement program in the Kootenays is receiving almost $72,000 to strengthen local food production and distribution, while improving access to locally produced food
• Initiative will help local businesses grow, reach more customers
• Program is funded through the Province's Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program

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People in the Kootenays will have better access to locally produced food, while businesses and producers will benefit from new opportunities to reach more customers, thanks to provincial support for the Nakusp and Area Development Board's Agri-food Alliance initiative.

Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Province is providing almost $72,000 to support the program, which will strengthen local food production and distribution, while improving access to locally produced food for people in the region.

"When communities and local businesses work together, it creates real benefits for people," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. "By investing in initiatives like this, we're helping agri-food businesses to grow, reach more customers and strengthen local supply chains - making it easier for people to access local food. Through our Look West strategy, we're supporting businesses to grow, reach new markets and build more resilient local economies."

Strengthening local food systems through collaboration

This initiative will bring together local non-profit organizations to work collaboratively on agri-food initiatives that support local food systems in the region. This includes increasing local food production, strengthening distribution networks and helping connect producers with buyers.

Through this work, people and businesses will benefit from:

• shared resources
• community workshops and events
• greater awareness of locally produced food

The program will also:

• help build connections between farmers and buyers, such as school food programs
• explore opportunities for regional food distribution
• support new agri-food businesses
• develop a feasibility plan for a future food hub facility

"Our mission is to cultivate an ecosystem where farmers, producers, non-profits, and community thrive together, ensuring a resilient local food network and healthy agricultural legacy for the Arrow Lakes region," said Mickey Wojnarowski, president, Nakusp and Area Development Board. "When asked what success would be, our community shared how they value opportunities to collaborate together. We see our communities' local food success stories as a win for all. This funding provides us with the strength we need to grow our agri-food culture."

In partnership with the Nakusp and District Chamber of Commerce, Nakusp and Area Development Board will also strengthen support to help local businesses during economic disruptions.

"We are helping people in the Kootenays access more fresh, locally produced food, including in schools, while creating new opportunities for farmers and producers to grow their businesses," said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. "By strengthening production, improving distribution and building stronger connections within the supply chain, this collaboration will ensure a more resilient and sustainable local food supply that benefits families and communities now and into the future."

Together, these efforts will help strengthen the local system and supply chains, and support long-term benefits for people, businesses and communities in the region.

"Investing in local food systems helps communities grow stronger and more resilient," said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. "By supporting producers, businesses and community partners, we are creating more opportunities for people to access local food and building a stronger regional economy."

Supporting economic diversification through REDIP

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program supports economic diversification and resilience, strengthens economic capacity and supports economic infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities in B.C.

Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects across B.C. creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.

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